LUBBOCK, Texas– A family-owned pet store in South Lubbock was looking for answers Tuesday after two puppies were stolen overnight.
When store employees arrived at about 8:00 a.m. at Pets Plus on 6419 University Avenue, they realized their business was broken into, said Richard Evans, the owner of the store. He said in their more than 30 years of business, the store has only been broken into one other time.
“It was kind of suprising when you have broken glass, it kind of goes everywhere,” Evans said.
He said the window at the front of the business was broken. The suspects kicked a door to get to the puppies, which Evans said was not necessary since the door was already unlocked.
“I think they thought our door was locked to the puppy room so they threw a rock against the window to break it and for some reason it didnt’t break,” Evans said.
The two puppies stolen were English Bulldogs, and according to Evans, they were very expensive. The price for the puppies was $2,800 each.
“Pretty much the most expensive puppies we ever have up here,” Evans said.
He said the business had to be shut down in the morning hours so that they could clean up and repair damages. Only the drive-through was available to customers.
“We called police and found out really quickly that someone had stolen our two English Bulldogs puppies that we just got in,” Evans said.
Luckily, no other pets were harmed in the break-in, said Evans.
Lubbock Police responded to the scene, but a police report was not made available by Tuesday afternoon.
According to Deaon Bryant, supervisor for Lubbock Animal Services in the state of Texas, pets are considered property. The cost for both puppies is more than $5,000, making the theft a felony.
“You have to notify LPD and make a theft of property complaint,” Bryant said.
Pets Plus is offering a $500 reward for anyone who may have any information on the incident, as well as the suspects, and can call (806) 792-2111.